Jackson Purchase Historical Society welcomes entertainer and author J.D. Wilkes Saturday, January 24, in Paducah, Kentucky.
Most people know J.D. Wilkes as a high-energy singer, songwriter, and performer with groups such as The Legendary Shack Shakers and The Dirt Daubers. But the Paducah resident is also a talented illustrator and author. His most recent book is Barn Dances & Jamborees Across Kentucky. This is the subject of his presentation at the quarterly meeting of the Jackson Purchase Historical Society 10:30 AM Saturday, January 24, in the upstairs conference room at the McCracken County Public Library. The meeting is open to the public and free of charge, but seating is limited.
“Kentuckians have been wearing out shoe leather at informal jamborees since the state was settled over two hundred years ago,” Wilkes said. “Clawhammer banjo players, Appalachian cloggers and square dance callers from Possum Trot to Rabbit Hash celebrate the unique musical culture of Kentucky.” While working on the manuscript, Wilkes traveled around the Commonwealth “looking for oprys, socials, porch pickin’s and barn dances in every holler.” Copies of the book will be available for sale after the meeting.